Are coral reefs dying really around the world?

Q: Where coral reefs are found?

Coral polyps are mostly found in the tropical regions between Tropica of cancer and Tropic of Capricorn. Generally, most of the reefs are formed on the eastern shores of the continents. However, there are some marginal belts of corals between the subtropical regions.

Introduction

In this article, I will discuss the various facts of coral reefs. Many researchers have found that there is a direct relationship between the coral reefs ecosystem and global warming. It is the most asked question today are coral reefs dying? But before addressing this question we should know some of the important facts about coral reefs. For instance, the formation of corals, theories regarding the coral formation, the importance of coral reefs and bleaching of coral reefs etc.

What is a coral reef

Coral reefs are the masses of limestone and dolomite accumulated by lime secreting organisms known as Coral polyps. An individual coral is known as a polyp. These polyps live in a symbiotic relationship with host Zooxanthellae. Moreover, the zooxanthellae give its colour to the corals. Also, they prepare their food through photosynthesis and gives out oxygen and other important nutrients to the polyps. As the coral dies, the remains of the shells get deposited and the new corals start attaching to the remains of earlier corals.

This cycle of dying and deposition continues over the millions of years leading to the accumulation of coral layers. They usually attach themselves either along an island or shore.

Coral reef ecosystem — Coral reefs ecosystem

Coral reefs as an ecosystem

Corals live in the sea between the depth of 60m to 70m (200ft to 250ft).
The average temperature required for the growth of coral reef is about 18⁰C to 20⁰C.
Their formation occurs in the shallow regions having sufficient sunlight which is necessary for their symbiotic relationship.
Corals receive their colouration from the algae called zooxanthellae which live in their tissues.
Moreover, both saline and freshwater are injurious for the growth of coral reefs.
Freshwater is injurious for the growth of corals that’s why the great barrier reef is found to be broken at the places where rivers pour the freshwater.
Corals are not found at the mouth of rivers due to abundance outpour of freshwater.
Biologically, they are one of the most diverse and complex ecosystems on the earth.
The oceans having a salinity between 27‰ and 30‰ is the most ideal for the growth of coral polyps.
The high concentration of saline water is also injurious for corals as the carbonates of calcium start eroding due to the excess saline water.

Types of reefs

According to the location of coral reefs, the following are the types of coral reefs.

Fringing reefs

Fringing reefs are the narrow belt of reef along the continental shelves. They grow directly from the shore. Also, they are the most common coral formation among all the reefs. Fringing reefs grow from the deep-sea bottom with seaward sloping.

Coral reef drawing- fringing reef — ***Shutterstock image-*** Fringing reefs

Barrier reef

Barrier reefs are the largest and the most extensive of all the reef formation. They have formed in the sea nearly 1 km to 15 km away from the shores. Moreover, these reefs grow from the deep bottom and lie at a distance away from the coast. They are characterised by the lagoons having a depth of 20 to 40 fathoms. Hence, these reefs are navigable easily.

Formation of coral reefs — ***Shutterstock image-*** ***Barrier reefs***

Atoll reef

Atolls are circular or semi-circular reefs resembling like a horseshoe. Generally, they thrive either around the islands or a submerged plateau. Atolls are marked by a shallow lagoon of open water. Mainly, many open channels provide fresh and colder water for the lagoons. Most importantly, atolls are formed at the top of submarine mountains which are the remnants of volcanoes.

Coral reefs facts

Where coral reefs are found?

Coral polyps are mostly found in the tropical regions between Tropica of cancer and Tropic of Capricorn. Generally, most of the reefs are formed on the eastern shores of the continents. However, there are some marginal belts of corals between the subtropical regions.

Why coral reefs are important?

1. Coral reefs are the natural protective barrier against the strong tropical storms.
2. They are the home to countless marine animals.
3. On average, 400 million people depend on the fisheries of corals for food and income.
4. They also attract tourism in many places.
5. The carbonates of calcium produced by corals are used for the manufacturing of cement.

Are coral reefs dying?

Various factors are responsible for the death or bleaching of coral reefs. These factors are either natural or anthropogenic (man-induced), or a combination of both the factors. However, the following are the main causes of bleaching.
1. Chemical pollution (pesticides).
2. Industrial pollution.
3. Over-exploitation and overfishing.
4. Nutrient overload (Eutrophication)
5. Increased sedimentation.
6. Flooding.
7. ENSO ( Elnino southern oscillation)
8. Freshwater dilution due to high precipitation or water runoff.
9. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR- 400nm- 700nm).
10. Ultraviolet radiation (280nm-400nm).
11. Extreme low or high tides.
12. Extreme low or high temperatures.

How coral reefs are formed?

There are two theories regarding the formation of coral reefs as following.
1. The subsidence theory of Charles Darwin.
2. Glacial control theory of Daly.
Darwin’s subsidence theory– According to Charles Darwin, the platforms on which the corals grow was unstable and sinking gradually. Consequently, the living corals would find themselves in the deeper water. Hence, these coral polyps started growing upward and outward and trying to balance the subsidence of the land. On the other hand, the growth of the fringing reef would result in the formation of the barrier reefs. Ultimately, the barrier reef transforms into atoll due to complete subsidence of land.
Daly’s Glacial control theory– As per Daly’s control theory, during the Pleistocene period the formation of the ice caps lowered the ocean level by 60-70m below the present sea level. Moreover, the lowered temperature during this age caused the death of many coral polyps. In the meanwhile, the new sea level was responsible for the formation of cut platforms along the coasts of continents. But when the ice age came to an end, the temperature started increasing again, corals began to grow on these platforms and rose upward. Again all the types of reefs got formed on the pre-existing platforms. Thus fringing reefs and barrier reefs were built on the narrow and broad platforms respectively.

What is coral bleaching?

Coral bleaching occurs when coral polyps lose their symbiotic relationship with Zooxanthellae (a type of algae). This lead to the paling of corals when the density of zooxanthellae starts declining. Besides, they lose 60% to 90% of their zooxanthellae.

Formation of coral reef

how coral reefs are formed diagram — Shutterstock image– Darwin’s theory of coral formation

how coral reefs are formed drawing — Shutterstock image– Daly’s theory of coral formation

Critiques of Darwin’s subsidence theory

Firstly, Darwin’s subsidence theory was unable to explain the presence of both fringing and barrier reef along the same island. For example, Fiji Island.
Secondly, the formation of corals along the continent cannot be explained by this theory.

Critiques of Glacial control theory

Similar to Darwin’s theory of reef formation, Daly’s theory was also unable to explain the formation of all the types of coral reefs.

In fact, a combination of both the theories can provide the better explanation of the reef formation.

coral reef in India

Despite having a large coastline, India has only a few coral reef areas. The Gangetic delta of India and Bangladesh are devoid of corals due to heavy siltation and outpour of huge freshwater. On the other hand, the heavy monsoonal rainfall also repels the formation of corals.

However, the following are the regions of India have coral reefs.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

These islands are located in the Bay of Bengal between 6⁰-14⁰N latitude. All the islands of the Andaman and Nicobar marked by well-developed fringing reefs. According to a research conducted by the society of Andaman and Nicobar ecology, there has been a mass coral bleaching in the 1998 around the reefs of Andaman. On the other, 30% to 70% of Nicobar’s reef bleached during the same period.

Gulf of Mannar

The gulf of Mannar also has corals developed around a chain of 21 islands between Tuticorin and Rameshwaram.

Gulf of Kutch

It is the northernmost point of coral formation in India. These reefs are mostly of fringing type.

Lakshadweep Islands

Geographically, it lies between 8⁰N- 12⁰3ꞌN latitude having a coral formation built upon the Laccadive-Chagos submarine ridge.

Other marginal regions of coral formation

Goa coast, Kerela coast, Palk Bay.